08/14/2026
Epic Fest is built on a single idea: put the region’s best chefs in the same kitchen and see what happens.
Swipe to read about the masterminds behind it all.
Reserve your spot at Epic Fest at the link in our bio.
Executive Chef at The Ava Hotel, Chef Casey McMinn leads the kitchen with passion, purpose, and deep local roots. A Central Coast native known for his soulful wood-fired cooking, McMinn has honed his craft at acclaimed restaurants like State Bird Provisions in San Francisco and The Hatch in downtown Paso.
At EMRE, he brings the vision to life through a Mediterranean-inspired menu anchored by whole grilled seafood, flame-kissed vegetables, and bold, made-from-scratch dishes meant to be shared and savored.
His leadership cultivates a collaborative, respectful kitchen culture, ensuring that each dish reflects both intention and heart.
Chef Rachel Haggstrom is the Executive Chef of The Restaurant at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, the only winery restaurant in California to earn a coveted Michelin Star. Rooted in a deep respect for the land and ingredients, her culinary style pairs classical French technique with the bounty of California’s Central Coast, highlighting seasonal produce and sustainable sourcing.
Under her leadership, the restaurant at Justin has also earned a Michelin Green Star, Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond recognition, establishing Chef Rachel as a leading voice in Paso Robles’ celebrated culinary scene.
EMRE’s culinary direction was conceived by acclaimed chef Julien Asseo, whose philosophy blends the soulful flavors of the Mediterranean with the spirit of Paso Robles. With roots in Bordeaux and a background in Michelin-starred kitchens, including his time as Executive Chef at Restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas — Julien envisioned EMRE as a place where fresh, seasonal ingredients, open-flame cooking, and a shared-table experience come together in harmony.
His family’s winemaking legacy through L’Aventure Winery continues to shape the culinary and cultural DNA of EMRE, connecting food, wine, and place in meaningful ways.
Chef and owner of Tim Veatch in Los Osos, Tim Veatch has spent more than two decades in California kitchens. Known for h
